ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a crackdown on tax evaders and recovery of outstanding dues, Pakistani state media reported on Tuesday, amid the government’s efforts to shore up revenues.
The prime minister issued the directives at a meeting on the Federal Board of Revenue-related matters, during which he called for a public awareness campaign regarding government measures against tax evasion.
Pakistan has lately introduced several reforms to ensure economic stability and to meet structural benchmarks under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program Islamabad secured last year.
The South Asian country has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the region, despite a population of more than 240 million, and has often failed to meet its collection targets.
“Shehbaz Sharif asked the FBR to foster a business-friendly environment and ensure the provision of all possible facilities to taxpayers. He also directed the hiring of professionals to identify tax evaders and recover dues from them,” the Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
